Food Service Management – Clean Eating, Clean Food: What Does It All Mean?

We’ve heard about it everywhere over the last year or two – clean eating, or clean food. These are some of the biggest “buzz words” on the Internet, in television ads, and in many restaurants. What does it really mean? As a contract food services company in Atlanta who keeps up with all of the latest trends in food, we’ll explain a bit about this popular concept.

It’s very simple, really. Clean foods are what you would think of as “real” or whole foods, those in the most natural form possible and that are either unprocessed or minimally processed or refined. Unlike eating plans designed around a specific number of calories, carbohydrates, or fat grams, clean eating is about being mindful of the path the food you’re eating takes from its origin to your plate.

Eating clean foods is part of a lifestyle that’s focused on improving your health and well-being. This means incorporating foods into your diet that include nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs that are fresh from the farm, dried legumes, brown rice, whole wheat pasta/bread and other unrefined grains, healthy oils, and meats that are unprocessed or pasture over grain-fed.

It’s also important to choose organic or whole foods that don’t contain added chemicals or hormones.

In a nutshell (no pun intended) clean eating is about:

Choosing foods that are unrefined over those that are refined

Choosing fresh, natural foods over those packaged in a can, box, bag, or other package as these are usually processed

Choosing foods low in salt, sugar, and fat – this is fairly easy when you eliminate processed foods or keep them to a minimum

Incorporating protein, good fat, and carbohydrates into every meal; protein is essential for curbing appetite and muscle building

Choosing clean drinks to keep beverage calories to a minimum – water, tea that is unsweetened, low-fat milk and 100% fruit juices are good choices

Eat smaller meals, and eat more often – instead of three huge meals, five or six small meals help you feel satisfied and keeps energy up due to consistent blood sugar levels

As you can see, clean eating is really about eating healthy foods, or “clean” foods, that are minimally processed or unprocessed, unrefined, and as close to their natural state as possible without added sugars, salt, hormones, or preservatives. It’s food at its purest, cleanest, most wholesome form.

At Gourmet Services, Inc. we are a contract food services company who believes in providing fresh, healthy menu choices and the ultimate in quality service. Serving the restaurant, concession, education, and corporate dining sectors for decades, we bring more to the table! Contact us today to learn more about our food service management.